In Los Angeles, California, a police pursuit of a robbery suspect ended tragically when a fleeing vehicle fatally struck an innocent bicyclist early Wednesday morning. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reported that the incident began at approximately 6 a.m. at the intersection of East 48th and Central Streets in South LA when officers attempted to apprehend the suspect connected to a theft.
The suspect refused to comply with officers’ attempt to halt the vehicle, leading to a brief chase through the streets of the densely populated neighborhood. In the midst of the pursuit, the suspect’s car collided with a bicyclist at 45th Street and Hooper Avenue. Despite the catastrophic impact, the driver continued the escape attempt, causing multiple collisions with parked vehicles before the car ultimately flipped on 45th Hooper.
The suspect, who survived the crash, emerged from the overturned car and attempted to flee on foot but was swiftly detained by law enforcement. Local residents, including Cesar Martinez who witnessed the chaotic scene, expressed concerns regarding the necessity and safety of the pursuit through their bustling community. Martinez urged for reconsideration of the pursuit policy stating, “They want to catch them… but it’s not easy right here, so they should do something about it, not chase them.”
Source: NBC Southern California